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Postanaesthetic shivering in children
1Department of Anaesthesia, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Dublin.
Insights
Post-anaesthetic shivering occurred in 14.4% of children, influenced by age, atropine, and temperature changes. Shivering children showed faster recovery room rewarming.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Anesthesiology
- Postoperative Care
Background:
- Postanaesthetic shivering is a common complication in children.
- Understanding its incidence and contributing factors is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, severity, and etiological factors of postanaesthetic shivering in pediatric patients.
- To identify predictors of shivering and its impact on recovery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 376 children undergoing general anesthesia.
- Monitoring tympanic membrane temperatures and recording anesthetic data, fluid administration, temperature preservation methods, sedation, and shivering severity.
- Statistical analysis using multiple regression.
Main Results:
- Overall incidence of postanaesthetic shivering was 14.4%.
- Significant risk factors identified: younger age, atropine administration, and peri-operative temperature fluctuations.
- Children who shivered exhibited faster rewarming in the recovery room.
Conclusions:
- Age, atropine, and temperature changes are key factors in pediatric postanaesthetic shivering.
- Despite shivering, affected children demonstrate improved thermoregulation post-operatively.
Abstract:
This study was designed to assess the incidence, severity and possible aetiological factors of postanaesthetic shivering in children. Three hundred and seventy-six children undergoing general anaesthesia were enrolled in the study. Tympanic membrane temperatures were recorded pre-operatively and every 15 min postoperatively in the recovery room until discharge to the ward. Also recorded were all anaesthetic data including fluid administration, methods of temperature preservation used, sedation scores and shivering (using a four-point scale). The overall incidence of shivering was 14.4%. Multiple regression analysis identified three factors that were significantly related to shivering: age, the administration of atropine and peri-operative temperature changes. Children who shivered rewarmed faster in the recovery room.